Baby wrap blanket

ABSTRACT

A blanket having a receiving region and a plurality of panels that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined sequence is provided. A blanket having a receiving region, a first, a second and a third panel; wherein each panel is connectable to another of the panels or the receiving region in a predetermined sequence is provided. A method of folding a blanket by connecting a first fastener on a first panel to a second fastener on a receiving region by folding the first panel over the receiving region is provided. The method of folding includes connecting a third fastener on a second panel to a fourth fastener on the first panel by folding the second panel over the first panel and connecting a fifth fastener on a third panel to a sixth fastener on the first panel by folding the third panel over the second panel and the first panel.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/588,681, filed on Jul. 16, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a baby wrap blanket for swaddling a baby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, there are many swaddling blankets or receiving blankets available on the market for infants and newborn babies. Many of these blankets offer beautiful and soft fabrics and patterns that befit the occasion. While the aesthetics of the blankets are very important, existing blankets do not provide the necessary function for such a blanket.

Available blankets fail to meet the needs of infants in specific ways. For example, designs often have a square or rectangular shape. These shapes are not conducive to proper wrapping of the baby and are uncomfortable for the baby and inconvenient for the caregiver. Square or rectangular shaped blankets cannot be properly tucked to secure the babies so that they feel firmly wrapped. Additionally, these shapes leave extraneous material dangling that is both uncomfortable and hazardous to the baby and unsafe for the caregiver. Further, such blankets do not offer a safe and secure method of securing the blanket that avoids the use of safety hazards such as pins, snaps, buttons or zippers.

Therefore, there exists a need for a baby blanket that is safe and provides a comfortable and firm fit for the baby as well as quick and easy use for the caregiver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A blanket providing a receiving region and a plurality of panels that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined sequence.

A blanket providing a receiving region, a first panel; a second panel and a third panel; wherein each of the panels is connectable to another of the panels or the receiving region in a predetermined sequence.

A blanket providing a receiving region, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel wherein each of the panels and the receiving region has at least one labeled fastener that corresponds to another of the at least one labeled fasteners on another of the panels or the receiving region to indicate a folding sequence of the panels and a connecting sequence of the fasteners.

A method of folding a blanket by connecting a first fastener on a first panel of a blanket to a second fastener on a receiving region of the blanket by folding the first panel over the receiving region. The method of folding further includes connecting a third fastener on a second panel to a fourth fastener on the first panel by folding the second panel over the first panel. The method of folding additionally provides for connecting a fifth fastener on a third panel to a sixth fastener on the first panel by folding the third panel over the second panel and the first panel.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the blanket on which the baby is placed.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the blanket if FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the blanket in which a first portion is folded.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the blanket in which a second portion is folded.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the blanket in which the third portion is folded.

FIG. 6 a is a front view of the blanket having labeled fasteners.

FIG. 6 b is a back view of the blanket of FIG. 6 a also having labeled fasteners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a blanket 1 of the present invention includes a side 4, an integral pillow 2 and a series of fasteners 6, 8, 10 and 12 having a pre-determined position and orientation. Blanket 1 also has a side 20, opposite side 4 of blanket 1, and a series of fasteners 22 and 24, having a pre-determined position and orientation. Side 4 has a receiving region 15 to receive a human baby's torso. Blanket 1 has a built-in pillow 2 containing a soft material to cushion a baby's head. Blanket 1 has an approximately eight-sided shape for optimal swaddling of the baby.

Built-in pillow 2 is sewn between side 4 and side 20 of blanket 1 to create a perimeter 3 having a slightly rounded upper portion. Pillow 2 has an approximately square shape. The baby will be placed on side 4 at receiving region 15 with the back of his or her head on pillow 2. Pillow 2 will provide a cushion when the baby is initially placed on the pillow and cushioning during transport and rest.

Fasteners 6, 8, 10 and 12 on side 4 and fasteners 22 and 24 on side 20 are loop and hook type fasteners. Each fastener will mate with a corresponding fastener to securely and firmly wrap blanket 1 around the baby. The loop and hook fasteners will ensure that the baby will not be harmed when he or she is placed in or removed from blanket 1 during transport. Additionally, by using a hook and loop type fastener, pins, snaps, zippers and buttons are avoided. Pins could become unsecured when the baby moves and could potentially stick the baby. Snaps and buttons could become unsewn and present a choking hazard. Zippers could easily catch the flesh and harm a baby.

The approximately eight-sided shape of blanket 1 ensures that the blanket can be neatly folded around the baby. Were a usual square or rectangular blanket used, loose edges would result. These loose edges would need to be tucked around the baby creating uncomfortable sources of pressure that would cause discomfort to the baby. Alternatively, were the excess material left untucked, it would either flap into the baby's face or dangle and potentially trip the caregiver. With squares or rectangular blankets, there is also not a predetermined folding pattern for the blanket. Thus, by quickly folding such blankets, there is a greater likelihood of the blanket being either too tight or too loose. Likewise, the pre-determined placement of the fasteners ensures that the baby will be firmly held in place yet still be allowed to move.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, blanket 1 has panels 14, 16 and 18 that surround baby receiving region 15. When panels 14, 16 and 18 are folded, corresponding fasteners 8 and 10, 12 and 22 and 6 and 24, are sized to provide adequate overlap when they are connected to ensure a firm fit around the baby. Thus, panels 14, 16 and 18 can be adjusted during folding to accommodate the baby's growth without compromising the swaddling firm fit of blanket 1 around the baby. Fasteners 6, 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 are sized and oriented to accommodate the baby's growth and to provide an optimal fit. Additionally, corresponding fasteners 8 and 10, 12 and 22 and 6 and 24 are oriented to ensure that maximum overlap is achieved. The maximum overlap of the fasteners will maintain the firm swaddling fit of blanket 1 around the baby during rest and transport. Blanket 1 can be made of a soft material such that sides 4 and 20 are comfortable and offer an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The method of using blanket 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 6 b. The baby's back is initially placed on side 4 of blanket 1 at receiving region 15 and his or her head is placed on pillow 2. In FIG. 3, panel 14 is folded over the baby and fastener 10 from side 4 is secured to fastener 8 also from side 4. Panel 14 is secured in such a fashion that the baby's face will not be obstructed. When panel 14 is in the folded position, fasteners 22 and 24 from side 20 are in view of the caregiver. Panel 14 has a fastener 10 on side 4, and two fasteners 22 and 24 on side 20. Alternatively, additional fasteners could be provided on each side of panel 14 for added security.

In FIG. 4, panel 16 is folded towards the baby's face and fastener 12 from first side 4 will be connected to fastener 22 from second side 20. When panel 16 is in the folded position, fastener 24 from side 20 is in view of the caregiver. Panel 16 has a fastener 12 on side 4. Alternatively, additional fasteners could be provided on each side of panel 16 for added security.

In FIG. 5, panel 18 is folded over panels 14 and 16, and fastener 6 from first side 4 is connected to fastener 24 from second side 20. Panel 18 has a fastener 6 on side 4. Alternatively, additional fasteners could be provided on each side of panel 18 for added security.

By folding the blanket in this predetermined method, the baby will be firmly secured in the blanket. The baby is particularly comfortable and feels as if he or she is still in the mother's womb. In a looser blanket, the baby would feel insecure and uncomfortable would become upset and agitated.

Additionally, the panels 14, 16 and 18 and/or fasteners 6, 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 can be further labeled to simplify the folding process of blanket 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 a, fastener 10 is labeled with numeral 1 to signify that it is first to be connected to corresponding fastener 8 also labeled with a numeral 1. Similarly, fastener 12, labeled with a numeral 2 is then connected to fastener 22 of side 20, which also labeled with a numeral 2. Then fastener 6 which is labeled with a numeral 3 is connected to fastener 24, which is also labeled with a numeral 3 to signify that they correspond in the folding sequence. Fasteners 6, 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 could also be labeled with corresponding letters A, B and C to signify the sequential connection of the fasteners.

Alternatively, panel 14 could have a letter A adjacent to fastener 10 and fastener 8 could also have a corresponding letter A on cushioning region 15 to signify that they correspond during the folding procedure. Similarly, panel 16 could have a letter B adjacent to fastener 12 and fastener 22 could have an adjacent letter B to signify that they correspond during the folding procedure. Panel 18 could have a letter C adjacent to fastener 18 and fastener 24 could have an adjacent letter C to signify that they correspond during the folding procedure. By labeling panels 14, 16, 18 and cushioning region 15, the user is provided with the proper folding order of the panels and the corresponding fasteners to connect. The letters A, B and C could be alternatively be replaced with numerals 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the proper folding sequence.

While the instant disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A blanket comprising: a receiving region; and a plurality of panels that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined sequence.
 2. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein said receiving region is surrounded by said plurality of panels to form eight sides.
 3. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of panels and said receiving region further comprise at least one fastener that is connectable to a corresponding fastener on another of said plurality of panels or said receiving region.
 4. The blanket according to claim 2, wherein one of said plurality of panels is connectable to said receiving region.
 5. The blanket according to claim 3, wherein each said fastener is labeled to match each said corresponding fastener on either said receiving region or one of said plurality of panels to indicate a folding sequence of said plurality of panels.
 6. The blanket according to claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of panels is labeled to correspond to another of said plurality of panels.
 7. The blanket according to claim 2, wherein said receiving region further comprises a built-in pillow.
 8. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein said plurality equals three.
 9. The blanket according to claim 3, wherein each said fastener and corresponding fastener are either a hook or a loop fastener.
 10. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein said receiving region is sized to receive a human baby.
 11. A blanket comprising: a receiving region; and a first panel; a second panel and a third panel; wherein each of said panels is connectable to another of said panels or said receiving region in a predetermined sequence.
 12. The blanket according to claim 11, wherein said first panel, said second panel and said third panel are labeled to indicate a predetermined sequential folding sequence.
 13. The blanket according to claim 12, wherein said predetermined sequential folding sequence uses either sequential numerals or letters.
 14. The blanket according to claim 11, wherein said first panel, said second panel and said third panel each further comprise at least one fastener that is labeled to match a corresponding fastener on another of said panels or said receiving region to indicate a predetermined sequential connecting sequence.
 15. The blanket according to claim 14, wherein said predetermined sequential connecting sequence uses either sequential numerals or letters.
 16. A blanket comprising: a receiving region; and a first panel, a second panel and a third panel; wherein each of said panels and said receiving region has at least one labeled fastener that corresponds to another of said at least one labeled fasteners on another of said panels or said receiving region to indicate a folding sequence of said panels and a connecting sequence of said fasteners.
 17. A method of folding a blanket comprising: connecting a first fastener on a first panel of a blanket to a second fastener on a receiving region of said blanket by folding said first panel over a receiving region; connecting a third fastener on a second panel to a fourth fastener on said first panel by folding said second panel over said first panel; and connecting a fifth fastener on a third panel to a sixth fastener on said first panel by folding said third panel over said second panel and said first panel.
 18. The method of folding a blanket according to claim 17, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener further comprise a first matching label to indicate a connecting sequence; said third fastener and said fourth fastener further comprise a second matching label to indicate said connecting sequence; and said fifth fastener and said sixth fastener further comprise a third matching label to indicate said connecting sequence.
 19. The method of folding according to claim 17, wherein said first panel, said second panel and said third panel are labeled to indicate a folding sequence.
 20. The method of folding according to claim 17, wherein said first fastener, said second fastener, said third fastener, said fourth fastener, said fifth fastener and said sixth fastener are hook and loop fasteners. 